Poll Shows Canadians Strongly Support Inuit Seal Hunt
Featured

A recent public opinion poll developed and funded by the Governments of Nunavut, Newfoundland, Quebec and Nova Scotia in partnership with the Fur Institute of Canada shows strong support among Canadians for seal hunting by both Inuit and non-Inuit hunters. The results of the omnibus poll, conducted by TNS Canadian Facts, clearly contradict the claims of anti-sealing activist groups who assert that the majority of Canadians are against seal hunting.

Some of the notable results include:

82% of Canadians support a sustainable, humane Inuit seal harvest

75% of Canadians were aware that income earned from seal hunting is significant to the livelihoods of Inuit hunters

85% of Canadians believe that seals need to be managed to maintain or restore the abundance of important fish stocks

75% of Canadians believe that animal welfare is either somewhat or completely respected by Canadian seal hunters, both Inuit and non-Inuit.

Only 34% of Canadians knew that despite the Inuit exemption to the EU ban, the trade in Inuit-harvested seal products has decreased.

Only 6% of Canadians are aware that the current harp seal population is estimated at 6.9 million animals, when given a choice of four options

Minister of Environment Daniel Shewchuk was encouraged by the results. “The results of this study clearly demonstrate that Canadians are distinguishing enough to see beyond the sensationalist propaganda of anti-sealing lobby groups” said Minister Shewchuk. “The Government of Nunavut will not tire in its efforts to promote and support the sustainable, humane use of seals as an abundant and vital natural resource in Nunavut. I’m happy to see that we have the support of the vast majority of Canadians in this effort.”

The Government of Nunavut recently provided financial support to Inuit organizations pursuing a legal challenge against the European Union ban on seal products. The Seal Ban Regulation, which will come into effect August 20, 2010, is directly responsible for plummeting sealskin prices over the past two years.